Climate Name Change aims to connect deniers to storms

There's a pivotal scene in the 1996 Farrelly brothers' film, Kingpin, in which Woody Harrelson's character, Roy Munson hears someone use the phrase "munsoned" for the first time. Munson had been a bowler with a promising future before losing it all. Realizing that his surname had become a figure of speech meaning "to have the whole world in the palm of your hand and blow it" he is inspired to turn his life around and maybe reclaim his name.

At least I'm pretty sure that's what happens. It's been a while.

I got to thinking of this after seeing a great new video from 350.org, which just launched a clever campaign that aims "Munsonize" climate change deniers.

Calling it the Climate Name Change, 350 is encouraging people to name Hurricanes after the politicians that deny the real world consequences of global warming.

Why should the Sandy's and Katrina's of the world have their name forever connected to a deadly storm? What did they ever do to hurt anybody?

A more just way to name deadly storms is to name them after the politicians that are actively hindering the government's ability to address global climate change. This is, after all, the greatest existential threat humanity has ever faced.

You can see how they are obstructing climate change policy and brilliantly, you can easily tweet to each of them right from the page!

Go look and see which names made the list and if any represent you and your state. And don't forget to tweet a few to let them know you'd appreciate their help addressing climate change.

Who knows, having his name associated with something bad inspired Roy Munson to turn things around. Maybe some of these deniers just aren't sufficiently embarrassed for holding onto such backward, anti-science, and downright dangerous beliefs. We can help them with that.